Reef-pi/robo-tank: any regrets?

Coach v · Dec 12, 2022

I am rebooting my reef tanks and want a controller. I have a 120 and 29 gallon tanks tied to a single basement sump (the 29 gallon is also located in basement). I have a 20 gallon observation/hospital tank that is its own SYSTEM (no sump) in the sump room, plus I would like to control heating for HTTM. My last controller was an old school aquacontroller Jr, but I cannot get temp probe to stay calibrated. I currently use ink bird heat control on my main system and simple light timers and a Tunze ato (which has issues, it is old).

I am considering getting a reef-pi/robo-tank controller. I enjoy diy and have decent soldering skills.

Does anyone regret going Reef-pi? Advice and/or suggestions.

nuxx · Dec 13, 2022

Hmmm, controllers are made with Pis now?

Back in the day that wasn't an option and I had a classic APEX Neptune.

I messed around with a PI a few years ago for our brewpub, made something to detect if the cooler ever shut down, we lost power or the temp got too high. Was pretty fun, still have it laying around.

Might be something fun to try for my next tank. But the Apex was bullet proof...

robsworld78 · Dec 17, 2022

Coach v said:
I am rebooting my reef tanks and want a controller. I have a 120 and 29 gallon tanks tied to a single basement sump (the 29 gallon is also located in basement). I have a 20 gallon observation/hospital tank that is its own SYSTEM (no sump) in the sump room, plus I would like to control heating for HTTM. My last controller was an old school aquacontroller Jr, but I cannot get temp probe to stay calibrated. I currently use ink bird heat control on my main system and simple light timers and a Tunze ato (which has issues, it is old).

I am considering getting a reef-pi/robo-tank controller. I enjoy diy and have decent soldering skills.

Does anyone regret going Reef-pi? Advice and/or suggestions.

Hi, I can't really answer for you, most people are happy but there has been a few who decided to go a different route, I guess it depends on what you want to do. These days not a lot of soldering is needed, for the DIY kits just a few connectors on the main controller, everything else is fully assembled. If you have a 3D printer you can assemble things. If you are just looking for temp, pH, ATO and lights it should do well for you. If you already have a Raspberry Pi you can install reef-pi and play some to see how you feel. Here's some reviews so you can see what real users have to say.